Metabolic Syndrome

Weight gain is common among people with CFS. The combination of inactivity, medications and sleeping disorders wreak havoc on our bodies and we see the scales continue to go up. Another factor that can cause weight gain is the fact that CFS patients tend to eat a lot of pre-packaged meals because purchasing and preparing meals can be a daunting task. So we rely on whatever is quick, which usually means high calorie, high fat foods.

Dr. Lucinda Bateman says that early recognition of metabolic syndrome and a pattern of weight gain may be one of the most valuable interventions for CFS patients.

“Family history, a fasting lipid panel showing high triglycerides and low HDL
and close observation of blood pressure and weight changes allows the patient-doctor team to diagnose metabolic syndrome early. Once metabolic syndrome is recognized, you can do the following: